Electrical Safety Guidelines
Background
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is committed to providing a safe workplace and safe systems of work. Since uncontrolled hazards related to working with electricity could have serious and even fatal consequences to our employees/contractors and others, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank regards as critical the maintenance of, and adherence to, our systems for safe work in relation to electrical hazards.
Purpose
The purpose of this guideline is to outline the means by which electrical safety is achieved and maintained in all bank premises.
Legislation relevant to this Guideline includes:
- Workplace Health & Safety Regulation 1997 (QLD)
- Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 (NSW)
- Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 1996 (WA)
- Occupational Health Safety & Welfare Regulations 1995 (SA)
- Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 1998 (TAS)
- AS/NZS 3760:2001 In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Policy
It is the responsibility of all employees who become aware of situations that may compromise the health and safety of persons at work to take appropriate action to prevent injuries and damage.
Performing electrical work on mains operated equipment
Due to the serious implications resulting from a staff member receiving an electrical shock or fatal injury from an illegally wired power or light lead, cord or electrical device, there is a complete ban on unlicensed persons effecting any repairs or modifications to company electrical equipment.
Under no circumstances is any person not holding a current appropriate licence issued by the relevant government authority permitted to attach, repair or replace (by wiring) any plug, socket or any electrical lead or cable to an appliance which will be connected to the mains supply in any office.
Testing of all mains operated electrical items
Every privately owned and/or manufactured equipment, which is brought to any office for demonstration or private use, must be checked and tagged for electrical safety by a licensed electrician before it may used.
This applies to every mains operated electrical item (including computers) irrespective of whether the item is new or used. A tag must be applied to this equipment and a record maintained in an appropriate register.
Frequency of testing
The frequency of testing is as defined in AS/NZS 3760:2001 and depends on the class of equipment and its area of use.
Use of multiple adaptors in the office
Any general-purpose electrical outlet is to provide power to no more than one double adaptor, or three piggyback plugs and sockets or one only power board.
Where a power board is utilised, it shall contain no more than four outlets for distribution and no further double adaptors or piggyback plugs may be utilised in this circuit. Where a four-outlet power board is to be used, the maximum current rating of electrical components to be used in this circuit is to be calculated to ensure the total current draw cannot exceed 10 amps.
Use of electric radiators (portable type) and fans
Due to the adverse effect on automatic temperature control, a complete ban is placed on the use of portable electric radiators and fans of any type within buildings that are air conditioned other than where special dispensation is issued by the premises manager under abnormal circumstances. No portable bar heaters (radiators) are permitted within the office.
Electrical switchboards, cupboards and switch rooms
No person other than an authorised electrical contractor or a specifically authorised person is permitted to enter electrical cupboards or switch rooms.
No unauthorised person may replace a fuse or reset an electrical circuit breaker or other safety device. Where a safety device protecting an electrical circuit has operated, it is essential this be checked by a licensed electrician to ascertain the cause of the problem/overload rather than a possible fault be allowed to continue by unauthorised fuse replacement or circuit breaker resetting.
Routine checking and inspection of portable equipment
All offices and branches are encouraged to implement a routine inspection and testing program for all items of portable electrical equipment including extension cords and leads to ensure their electrical safety. This program should involve tagging at date of inspection, together with a master record to ensure complete coverage of all items.
Where checking and/or testing is required to be performed, it will require prior arrangements to be made for progressive testing as it is unreasonable to expect a large number of items to be serviced at short notice.
Reporting faulty electrical equipment
All electrical equipment found to be faulty or damaged should be reported as a hazard via an OH&S Incident, Injury and Hazard Report Form. It should then be taken out of service, marked as NOT TO BE USED and reported to the Premises Department for repair/replacement via a Maintenance Request Form.
Responsibilities
| Executive Management | Executives are to support the effective implementation of this guideline. |
|---|---|
| Managers | Managers are responsible for ensuring the above guidelines are adhered to. |
| Manager WHSE | The Manager WHSE is responsible for storing and recording information that relates to this guideline, and where necessary, investigate and report incidents and injuries where electricity is involved. |
| Manager Premises | The Manager Premises is responsible for arranging the testing and tagging of all electrical equipment and, where necessary, the repair of faulty equipment. |
| Employees/Contractors | Employees are responsible for following the guidelines relating to electrical safety. |
Compliance
This guideline applies to all personnel who are employed, directly or indirectly, by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
Review
People and Performance will review this guideline annually in consultation with the Premises Department.
Approval
This guideline was reviewed and approved by Executive in April 2004.
